Soil Type: humus rich, well drained soilPests and Diseases: aphids, stem borers, spider mites, caterpillars, earwigs, cucumber beetle, capsid bugs, flower thrips, planthoppers, and slugs, powdery mildew, impatiens necrotic spot, dahlia mosaic virus, smut, fungal leaf spots, soft rot, crown gall, blossom blights (especially gray mold) and tomato spotted wilt virusPropagation: Take basal shoot cuttings from tubers started into growth in late winter or early spring in a greenhouse, and root under a plastic cover or a mist tent, with bottom heat. Alternatively, start clumps into growth in early spring and when shoots are 3/4" (2cm) long, divide clumps into two or more pieces, each with a shoot, and plant out 5" (13cm) deep after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seed of bedding dahlias in trays in early spring in warmth; harden off, and plant out when all danger of frost has passed.Notes: In midautumn, preferably when the foliage has been nipped by frost, cut back stems to 6", and lift tubers, gently brush off the soil, and leave upside down to dry naturally. Dust with fungicide, then pack in boxes of vermiculite or dry sand, and store over winter in a well ventilated, frost free place. Check periodically for fungal infection, pare out any damaged tissue, and treat again with fungicide before placing back in storage. Source: The American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden PlantsUSDA Heat Zones (days above 86ºF):

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